Stage, Screen & Radio - October/November 2014 - 17

Go to www.bectu.org.uk/get-involved/join-bectu

"I also believe that
unions can help out
in the wider context"
Emily Dixon is a 23 year-old production specialist working for ITV regional
news. "This is my second job in the news industry. I previously worked at a local
newspaper. I joined BECTU as a new starter at ITV because I was invited to by the
local rep and many of my new colleagues were members already. I discussed
joining with my parents who believe strongly that unions can be of great help
personally if a problem happens at work. I know that should the need ever arise I can
get individual, as well as collective, representation from BECTU officials and trained
reps. I also believe that unions can help out in a wider context in terms of pay and
conditions and how to progress in the company. Recently, through negotiation
with management, BECTU has helped in the creation of a career banding
structure in regional news, which as a new starter means that I have a clear
idea of how I can progress within the company. The terms and conditions
under which we all work have also been negotiated by BECTU. Pay
negotiations are conducted annually between the unions and ITV
management too and it makes sense to me for this to be done
collectively. As a young member I have been asked if I
would like to become active in the union and I know
that there are training opportunities available
on behalf
if I want to take them up."
of another
member. No
matter if outcomes are
similar, reactions can always
surprise. Sometimes even if their case
isn't concluded in their favour some
members will end up happy that things
turned out as they did. Also remember
whatever the negotiation or case you're
involved in there will always be more
experienced reps to advise and/or a
BECTU national official to turn to if you
are at all concerned. Handling such cases
can sharpen a rep's focus, deepen
experience and help reps indirectly
handle negotiations in their own lives:
practice makes perfect.
By being a BECTU rep you'll recruit
members for BECTU and learn how to
negotiate with management - both
critical life skills. You'll come across
situations that you'd never even imagined
you'd encounter and you'll be able to gain
qualifications/skills that could serve you
well both in our industries or others.
Our industries are in a constant state
of change and as a rep there is a good
chance you'll spot which way situations
at work are developing and so be able to
make the right choices - I know one rep
who managed to survive two redundancy
rounds simply by knowing the likely areas
for growth.
Remember if a colleague isn't a
member then they are part of the
problem. So have a go: recruit a
colleague and consider becoming
a BECTU rep.
October/November 2014 Stage Screen & Radio

Young members
raise the roof

The union's young members are having a great time campaigning
and networking, and they welcome more joining in
What is the Young Members Forum
and what do you do?
The Young Members Forum is basically here
to help organise and educate young people
about the benefits of being a trade union
member. We are also here to help young
activists with their own skills development.
Primarily everything we set out to do has
been fun events, helping young members
to network, social events, education and
also being active locally organising and
devising campaign strategies.
What have the YMF done in
the past?
Some of the best stuff we have
done is the simplest of things like
tea & cake networking events,
social nights for networking
and campaigning for union
recognition agreements and
the living wage, namely at the
Ritzy and Curzon Cinemas. 
What plans do the YMF have
for the future?
We are looking at having a
committee meeting which will
hopefully allow all the divisions to
be represented and spend a day
looking at ways we can educate and

organise young people across the different
sectors.
How can people get involved?
There are lots of different ways people can
get in touch with us, primarily through the
social media sites we have set up on
Facebook (www.facebook.com/bectu.ym)
and Twitter(@bectu_ym) or by joining our
mailing list.

"The union
doesn't just protect
you, it gives you guts"
"I was working at Riverside Studios when I was
suddenly faced with redundancy. Even though it
is a small workplace, I didn't feel confident going
into meetings without being fully briefed on my
employment rights. BECTU not only briefed me
but talked me through everything I could do
to help myself. Being in the union doesn't
just protect you, it gives you guts!
I have never looked back."
Shira McLeod
17
http://www.bectu.org.uk/get-involved/join-bectu http://www.facebook.com/bectu.ym
Stage, Screen & Radio - October/November 2014

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